Rochdale Ramblers were joined by members of other walking groups, bridleway associations, cyclists, horse riders, local residents, and lovers of the great outdoors on Sunday (29 May) to show their opposition to the plans by Peel Energy to expand the Scout Moor wind farm.

Well over a hundred people of all ages from babes in arms to those into their 80s assembled at Waugh’s Well high up on Scout Moor.

Waugh’s Well is a popular beauty spot on the Rossendale Way and was built in 1866 to commemorate Edwin Waugh at the now derelict Fo’ Farm, where he spent much time writing, on the moors above Waterfoot. Born the son of a shoemaker in Rochdale in 1817, Edwin Waugh was one of the most successful of the Lancashire dialect poets.

Roy Thorniley, Footpath and Countryside Secretary with the Ramblers, Rochdale Group said: “We were very happy that so many people of all ages turned out to show their opposition to the plans by Peel Energy.

“Peel Energy have applied to erect a further 16 turbines on the moor which if approved would make it the biggest on shore wind farm in the UK.

“Waugh’s Well would be surrounded by several of the new turbines and the landscape would be changed for ever.

“Only Last week Rochdale Online publicised the fact that Moors for the Future were investing part of £16 million to protect the moors including areas around Blackstone Edge to the east of Rochdale. Whilst Peels plans would only destroy parts of the moorland to the west, it just doesn’t make sense.”

The Secretary of State has appointed an inspector and a public inquiry will be held in Bacup commencing on the 11 October. It is unlikely that a final decision won’t be made until early 2017.

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